Bradenton man accused of trying to meet 13-year-old girl for sex, deputies say
A 20-year-old Bradenton man is behind bars after traveling to Charlotte County to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex, according to deputies.
Investigators say Kevin Lopez Perez sexually abused the girl in December, but when he returned to the house Thursday for another encounter, the girl’s parents were waiting for him.
Detectives with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office arrested Perez after the victim’s family intercepted him near their Punta Gorda home and called deputies, who located him in his vehicle and took him into custody, according to a news release.
Perez faces second-degree felony charges of lewd or lascivious battery and traveling to meet a minor after using a computer to lure a child, according to the sheriff’s office. If convicted on both counts, Perez could face up to 30 years in prison, with each charge carrying up to 15 years under Florida law.
Detectives said Perez met the girl through online communication before traveling to her house in December , where investigators say he sexually abused the 13-year-old. The girl’s family later discovered what happened, according to the sheriff’s office.
During an interview, Perez admitted to having sex with the girl, according to the sheriff’s office.
Perez remains held without bond at the Charlotte County Jail, according to jail records.
“Few things in the world upset me as much as someone who does harm to a child. As I have said many times before, I have absolutely no tolerance for this vile crime and no sympathy for these offenders. He is where he belongs now,” said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell in a written statement.
“Thank you to the family for recognizing the situation and calling us to come put a stop to it,” Prummell said.
This story was originally published April 1, 2026 at 5:50 AM.
